The new US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, stated during his call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the United States is determined to provide the capabilities that Tel Aviv needs "to defend itself," as he put it.

According to a statement by the US Department of Defense (Pentagon), Hegseth stressed that the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, is determined to provide the capabilities that Israel needs "to defend its security," he said.

According to the statement, the phone call emphasized "developing common security goals in the face of ongoing threats and the strong ties between the two countries."

The statement indicated that Hegseth and Netanyahu agreed to remain in constant contact.

In contrast, a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office confirmed that Netanyahu congratulated Hegseth on assuming his new position.

Earlier, Israeli officials said that Trump had lifted a ban on sending MK-84 bombs to Israel, which weigh about a ton.